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Melky activated, batting fifth in left field

Melky activated, batting fifth in left field

6/26/13: Melky Cabrera ropes a single to center field to score Jose Bautista, giving the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning

By Gregor Chisholm and Evan Peaslee
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MLB.com |

TORONTO -- Melky Cabrera was activated from the disabled list on Sunday, batting fifth and in left field for the Blue Jays in their series finale against the Rays.

Cabrera had been dealing with left knee tendinitis, along with lingering hamstring and quadriceps soreness, but that is behind him now.

"This is the best it feels in a long time," Cabrera said through interpreter Luis Rivera. "I worked really hard to get into shape. I feel great now."

The 28-year-old had been on the DL since June 28. However, the knee issue had been bothering him even longer.

"The problem with the knee was that I fouled a ball off of it. Then I hit the wall in Texas with my knee, and that what's made it so bad," Cabrera said. "My knee was bothering me a little bit. I had inflammation and I couldn't take the pain anymore. So, it was time for me to shut it down."

At the time of the injury, Cabrera was hitting .278 with three home runs, 29 RBIs, 34 runs, and two stolen bases in 78 games.

"The hamstring and knees feel real good [now]," Cabrera said. "I'm happy to be back and helping the club."

To make room for Cabrera, reliever Neil Wagner was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Sunday's game marked the first time this season that Jose Reyes, Brett Lawrie, and Cabrera were all in the lineup for the Blue Jays.